Burchfield anchors young FCHS team

Senior sprinter Nick Burchfield anchors a very young track and field team at Franklin County High School this spring.

Burchfield could have a state impact in the 100 and 200, and FCHS coach Ron Clemons is trying to sell Burchfield on the merits of the 400.

"We're trying him in the 400 this year so he can be a little diverse," Clemons said of Burchfield. "He's been better in the 100 and 200 and at first he didn't like the 400, but I told him 'If you're going to be a 100, 200 person, you have to run the quarter. The quarter is going to get you ready for the 200, and the 200 is going to get you ready for the 100.'''

Clemons said Burchfield is receiving interests from some college coaches, including one Division I school - Coastal Carolina in South Carolina.

Burchfield placed at the state in the 100 last spring in Class AA, and Clemons says he could be top three in that event this time around.

Clemons says he has only six boys running, though all have good potential.

Newcomer Jeremy Wade, a junior, is an intriguing runner in the 300 hurdles.

"Jeremy has to knock some time off, but this is his first year and he attacks the hurdles," Clemons said. "That's good. You can't be scared of the hurdles."